Nessletter - No 123 - 1994

Magazine Overview

NESSLETTER 123, June 1994 (Sep '95)

This issue of NESSLETTER, published by NESS INFORMATION SERVICE, features a blend of personal holiday accounts, ongoing research into the Loch Ness mystery, and historical curiosities. The primary focus is on the author's experiences during 'HOLIDAYS '95', which included a trip to Loch Ness.

Holiday Experiences and Personal Encounters

The issue opens with the author's holiday in July 1995, which coincided with a wedding in Cruden Bay, near Aberdeen. The trip was extended to include Loch Ness, where the author and family stayed at the old pier in Abriachan. Despite a dry summer, the loch level was noted as being close to normal. During their stay, they met with other members of the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE, including Doug Macfalane, a long-time hunter and researcher of the loch, and Richard Carter, who was camping with his family and engaged in echo sounding.

Steve Feltham, another member, was also a point of interest. The author located his van and later had a chat with him at Invermoriston. Feltham reported on his efforts and a potential head and neck photograph of a 'monster' that had been taken recently, though its quality was described as poor.

A significant part of the narrative involves a visit to the Abbey at Fort Augustus. Here, the author met Tony Harmsworth, who is involved with the Abbey's official exhibition and serves as consultant/bursar. The author inquired about a rumored sighting logbook kept by the monks over the years. Harmsworth stated he had no knowledge of such a logbook but promised to make further inquiries.

Father Gregory, a monk known to the author from the 1960s, also appeared, adding a personal connection to the Abbey's history with the mystery. The author recommends the Abbey not only for its heritage exhibition but also for its grounds and its links to the early years of the Loch Ness mystery.

Dolphin Sightings and Other Events

The issue also touches upon other observations and events. The author notes the growing interest in dolphin watching trips in the Moray Firth, mentioning the controversy between boat operators and conservation organizations regarding the impact on dolphins. The operators, however, argue that their steady routes and speeds do not harm the animals and that the volume of boat traffic is less than that of commercial vessels.

A more dramatic event described is the attempt by a swimmer, Mel, to cross Loch Ness. She made slow progress due to large waves and cold water, and was eventually taken out of the water by the support boat. She later returned to complete the swim from where she was taken out.

Historical Research and Cryptozoology

A substantial portion of the NESSLETTER is dedicated to historical research and cryptozoological reports. Brian Herring, a member of the Loch Ness Project, is researching old newspapers to understand stratified deposits from the loch bed. He shared findings from the Inverness Courier of February 1849, detailing subscriptions for flood relief and donations to the poor.

More significantly, an article from the Montrose Standard is discussed, reporting on a 'sea serpent' caught by fishermen belonging to Usan. The creature was described as over twenty feet long and an inch in circumference, with a dark brown color. Brian Herring investigated this report and found that the animal was indeed seen and measured before being sent to the Montrose Museum. Further research led to a report from the Montrose Natural History and Antiquarian Society in February 1849, which identified the creature as the Marine Line Worm, *Lineus Longissimus*. The description matches the 'sea serpent' and is noted as being the only species of its kind in the seas.

Adrian Shine, an advisor to the Official Loch Ness Exhibition, is mentioned as continuing the Loch Ness Project's work. He is aware of the need to update the exhibition and its equipment and hopes to secure funding for this. Shine also believes that Loch Ness has unique appeal that would attract visitors to an exhibition based on scientific findings, even without the monster.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NESSLETTER consistently focuses on the Loch Ness phenomenon, blending personal experiences with ongoing research and historical investigations. The tone is informative and inquisitive, encouraging members to share their findings and observations. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research and the importance of presenting evidence that can withstand scrutiny. The publication also highlights the broader context of unexplained phenomena, as seen in the discussion of the sea serpent report and dolphin behavior. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, grounded in factual reporting and historical research, while acknowledging the enduring appeal of the 'monster' mystery.